Brenly to be Cubs' analyst

Play-by-play man still to be named

The Cubs will have a World Series-winning manager in their broadcast booth next year.

Bob Brenly is set to replace Steve Stone as the Cubs' television analyst, according to broadcast sources. Brenly, who guided the Arizona Diamondbacks to the 2001 title, is the first piece in a revamped booth that also will include a new play-by-play announcer to take the place of Chip Caray.

John McDonough, the Cubs' senior vice president for marketing and broadcasting, declined comment on Brenly's status Monday. Brenly couldn't be reached for comment.

Considered one of the top analysts in the game, Brenly, 50, will rekindle his relationships with the Cubs and manager Dusty Baker. After retiring from the San Francisco Giants in 1989, he joined Ron Santo and Thom Brennaman in the Cubs' radio booth for the 1990-91 seasons.

Brenly then went to Baker's staff as a coach in San Francisco. Brenly, an All-Star catcher in 1984, spent the bulk of his nine-year playing career with the Giants.

When told Monday that Brenly was getting the job, Baker said, "I've known B.B. for a long time--we were together in San Francisco. He's a good broadcaster, a good baseball guy, and he's honest. He'll do a great job."

Brenly remained with Baker until 1996, when he went back into broadcasting. He called games with Brennaman for Fox Sports' Saturday and postseason baseball package. Brenly then joined Brennaman in Arizona's booth in 1998. He worked for both Fox and the Diamondbacks through the 2000 season before becoming Arizona's manager.

As an analyst, Brenly has earned high marks for his candor and wit. When Brenly was fired from Arizona last summer, Fox quickly tabbed him again to work the National League playoffs.

"Before becoming a manager, I thought Bob was the best television analyst in baseball," Brennaman said. "There's no reason to think he won't pick up where he left off. He's smart, fun and insightful. He knows the game and he knows television. If he goes to Chicago, the Chicago fans will be extremely fortunate to have had Steve Stone and then Brenly."

In a recent interview, Brenly said he was aware of what happened to Stone. The longtime Cubs analyst declined to return in 2005 after enduring a season in which some players reacted bitterly to his analysis.

At the time, Brenly did not see the situation as being a deterrent to taking the job.

"I'm hired to do a job," Brenly said. "I'll call them as I see them. I'll never intentionally take shots at somebody. Being a manager, I know that unless you know all the facts, sometimes you're better off refraining from saying something."

Brennaman said Brenly wouldn't have any problem being candid.

"You'll know exactly how the game is being played by the Cubs with Brenly in the booth," he said.

Brenly said working in Chicago was two of the most enjoyable years he had in baseball.

"Just going to Wrigley Field as a player, manager and a broadcaster is a special experience," Brenly said. "You walk into the building, and you know you're watching a big-league game. The enthusiasm of the fans and my partners made it a tremendous experience."

Brenly chose the Cubs over several other options, including a possible return to the field. He posted a 303-262 record in 3 1/2 seasons as a manager.

Brenly rode the pitching of Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling to Arizona's 2001 World Series title over the Yankees in seven games. The Diamondbacks then won the National League West in 2002, posting a 98-64 record.

The Diamondbacks slipped to 84-78 in 2003, finishing third. The bottom fell out this year, when Brenly was fired with Arizona owning a 29-50 record.

With Brenly in the fold, the Cubs now turn their attention to finding Caray's replacement. Among the candidates under consideration are Florida's play-by-play voice Len Kasper.

Dave O'Brien, formerly with Florida and now with ESPN, said the Cubs have contacted him but he has yet to meet with the team. O'Brien also calls games for the New York Mets.